• Grubs feed on growing roots
• Infested palms show a sickly appearance
• Yellowing of leaves
• Tapering of stem and reduction in yield.

Identification of the pest

• Adult beetle is chestnut brown in colour.

Management:

• Collection and destruction of adult beetles
• Digging and forking of the soil
• Addition of organic amendments and anti-feedants (neem, pongamia and oilcake)
• Application of (Thimet 10G) @ 15g per palm give effective control
• Soil application of phorate around the plant twice a year Before onset of southeast monsoon (May)
• After the monsoon (Sep-October)
• In severely infected gardens, the soil should be drenched with eco-friendly insecticides

• Before onset of southeast monsoon (May)